Secret Santa!

[dead_serious]

[ Every year, the reapers of the London branch held the more modern tradition of a secret Santa event. The branch tended to separate into smaller groups, mainly based around what departments were near one another in the office buildings, if only to give more diversity to just who your partner could possibly be. Forms were handed out to everyone interested in participating, consisting of simple questions that could help your partner figure out the perfect gift.

Not being the particularly festive type, William always declined, saying there was far too much work to be done to waste his limited free time shopping for gifts. But inevitably, Alan always persuaded him, usually with the promise of freshly baked cookies. With a huff, William would fill out yet another form and add it to the pile.

This year, when Grell comes into work on Christmas Eve, there is a large box sitting upon her desk, wrapped in shimmering red paper and topped with a glittered gold bow. With no name tag indicating who it is from, it can only be assumed her secret Santa had placed it there before she arrived to work. Inside is an array of, surprisingly well chosen, self pampering products, wonderfully fit for a woman with a fine taste for the indulgent. A book of sonnets tied with a small, but well crafted bow lays beside it. And to top it all off, two tickets to a night of fine theatre at the beautiful Canterbury Music Hall.

Certainly, the simplistic questionnaire couldn't have pinpointed her interests so well, what with inquiries about favourite foods and colours. The last was painfully obvious for her even without the form! So such a lavish - and expensive! - gift could have only come from someone who knew her quite well, and had the funds to pay for it all! Now the question was simply...who? ]

Comments

[dead_serious]

[ He looks to the ticket, then back up to her face. The invitation isn't surprising, it would have been more so if she hadn't given him the offer. ]

You aren't going to take along your newly found true love, Miss Jezibelle?

[untodeath]

Miss Jezibelle was quite transparent about the source of her ideas.

[ Her gaze locks on his, unwavering - and it's quite clear how she feels about that. ]

So, I'm afraid that I must insist.

[dead_serious]

Seems you were correct from the beginning, then. I do know you quite well.

[ He plucks the ticket from her hand, pocketing it. ]

Go.

[ AHe motions toward the door. A yes to both her invitation and request to clock out early! ]

[untodeath]

[ Beaming, Grell reaches out to run her hand across his cheek and into the hair at the nape of his neck-- but, biting her lip, she nods excitedly before stepping away in haste. ]

Meet me there.

[ And she's off-- but not before blowing him a kiss!! ]

[dead_serious]

[ William still has a bit to get done before he clocks out, but the time stated on the ticket shows that he should have plenty of time to shower and ready himself. He arrives before her, waiting patiently in the theatre's main lobby. He's decided to blend in by dressing in the fashions of the time, but the scarf Grell gave him earlier that day lingers around his neck. It's quite warm and he can certainly see himself wearing it for the rest of the season.

Part of him wonders if this is all a terrible idea - exposing his emotions to someone he's been actively trying to avoid for a century. But, the mood of the evening lets him know that this is right. For as long as it took, he's feeling more at peace with knowing Grell will be clinging to his side all night than he's been before. Humming, he looks about the crowd to see if he can spot a flood of red hair. ]

[untodeath]

That looks very handsome on you.

[ Reaching out, Grell runs her hand down the scarf tail that rests at his chest, as she steps to stand before him.

It's suddenly quite clear why Grell had wished for a substantial amount of time to prepare herself for the evening. Her hair is freshly styled, her makeup immaculate, and her skin smells divine-- yet, her fashion selection for the evening still demands attention! A smartly tailored coat with unique front panels comprised of sweeping front buttons, and a cape attached to the left shoulder with lace applique and shimmering embellishments.

Most importantly, perhaps, is that she's showcased her necklace over a high collar and complimentary necktie, and swept her hair back just a touch more than normal to show off the earrings, as well!

Despite all of this, she's still more concerned with swooning over Will! ]

[dead_serious]

[ William looks down to her hand before taking in the sight of her. The outfit is very unique, very her. Though despite how dramatic it is with its flowing cape and detailing, the jewellery stands out, reflecting glints of light from the chandeliers hanging above. ]

It is rather comfortable, as well. You, however, look stunning.

[ A compliment from William is not something easily obtained. So such a positive statement on her looks says quite a bit. ]

[untodeath]

[ Such a thing isn’t lost on Grell, not in the slightest. Features brightening, her cheeks warm with rosiness. ]

Tonight is a special evening for us. I’ve all the reason to dress my finest.

[ All, she says, while gingerly running gloves fingers along his lapel, whilst stepping nearer. ]

[dead_serious]

We shall see what comes of it, then.

[ For once, he extends an arm to her. ]

If you are ready, I believe they will be starting shortly.

[ The couple gets a few wary glances as they proceed towards their seats, being a bit of an odd pairing. But a sense of intimidation keeps any comments at bay. They practically own the theatre tonight. ]

[untodeath]

[ Of course, they could always make themselves unknown to the mortals, but what fun would that be? She, for one, is far too proud to finally be on William’s arm, and eager for the world to know it.

While the show is nothing short of spectacular, Grell still can’t immerse herself in it, for the simple fact that William is seated beside her. She’d expected to go home lonely this Christmas Eve, after a boring shift, like so many before. Now, the future is unpredictable and exciting again!

She keeps wondering what this means for their future, in particular. If he will address it this evening, given the romantic gift he’s offered her. That is, unless she’s misconstrued it again. Though, if he doesn’t, and she hasn’t, what will she say?

Having glanced at him for the third time that act, curious if he’s been enjoying himself, she pulls her focus away from him and glued her eyes to the stage ahead with a steeling sigh! Instead, she slips her hand into his. ]

[dead_serious]

[ Though he doesn't return her glances, it doesn't mean he's been blind to them. He's certain there are a million questions running through Grell's mind. Why he bothered helping Jezibelle get her such a wonderful gift. Why he gave her an even greater one. Why he accepted her invite for this evening's show.

He would ask himself the same, as any outsider would certainly think him mad for doing so with the firey redhead, but he's already come to terms with his thoughts on the matter.

Still keeping his eyes on the stage, he gives her offered hand a slight squeeze. ]

[untodeath]

[ Subtly as she may, Grell pulls in her bottom lip to nibble at with a long inhale. Which is the only thing keeping the red headed reaper from squealing aloud, really.

Come intermission, however, he immediately has her attention. Pivoting towards him whilst in her seat, she drapes herself over his shoulder, arms encircling its arm. ]

How are you enjoying yourself thus far, my darling?♥

[dead_serious]

It is a classic show for the evening, but they've put it together quite well.

[ For once, he doesn't pay her overly clingy affections any mind. He simply accepts them, which for most, would appear as a them being entirely disinterested. But for the stoic reaper with a violent tendency towards his coworkers extreme affections, it gives off the air of acceptance. ]

You seem rather distracted. Have you even been paying attention to the performance?

[untodeath]

[ While it really doesn’t, Grell puts on a show of surprise at the question. ]

Why, of course I have!

[ Looking away, she glances back to him, equal parts sheepish and flirtatious. ]

For the most part.

[dead_serious]

[ With a brief hum, he gives her a nod that lets her know he's noticed. ]

You should give it your full attention. I'm certain Miss Jezibelle paid a good amount for the tickets. ]

[ A scolding that somehow holds its own sense of flirtatiousness! ]

[untodeath]

[ A smirk plucks at her lips. ]

From what I understand, her intentions for the gift have more or less been fulfilled.

[dead_serious]

Not entirely.

[ Vague as ever, he allows her to fill in the blank ]

[untodeath]

Mn, no, I suppose you’re right about that.

[ And she idly eyes his lips, contemplating kissing him right here, to be done with it! ]

[dead_serious]

[ He side eyes her, positive he knows what she's contemplating. But he won't allow it. Not yet. ]

Honestly, are you going to be able to sit still through the remainder of the show, or have you been distracted beyond return?

[untodeath]

[ Grell parts her lips, prepared to insist that, of course, she could enjoy THEATRE—- but he sounds as though he has a scheme brewing. Eying him right back with suspicious delight, she’s got a curiously crooked grin! ]

And what if that were the case?

[dead_serious]

If so, then I suppose I will simply have to remove the distraction.

[ Her hand is released and he returns his arm to his own lap, where he thumbs through the play's programme. At this point, it's fairly obvious that he's toying with her. Still just as cold, but that flirtatious edge to his words and actions is something she's certainly never seen from him before. ]

[untodeath]

[ With something between a gasp and a laugh, she’s left clasping the armrest between them as she leans in closer! ]

Quite fortunate that we were merely speaking theoretically, then!!

[ Snatching that hand back, she briefly kisses his knuckles, before moving to let it go. ]

But, perhaps I will take this opportunity to powder my nose. Should you require anything?

[dead_serious]

[ His cold eyes merely watch as she makes that bold move of touching her lips to his fingers. His hand lingers there in the air as she stands, before slowly returning to the booklet. ]

I should be fine, as is. Don't take too long, intermission will be over shortly.

[ Stoic yet so surprisingly calm. ]

[untodeath]

[ Ah, and she adores it, that cold stillness of his— and being able to inspire that single moment of pause, even more so! ]

Don’t you worry. I wouldn’t dream to leave you for any longer than is necessary.

[ A wink!

In any case, she needs to get on her feet and work out these jitters. It’s unbecoming, being so out of sorts. A lady should reserve some mysteries of the mind!

As promised, she zips away to touch up her makeup. After pacing the above rooftop for some fresh air. Once returned, she’s able to settle back into her seat with a graceful sigh. ]

Miss me?

[dead_serious]

As if you've ever given me the chance to.

[ Seems she returned at the perfect moment, as the lights are starting to dim. But, before it darkens to much, William lays his arm, palm up, atop the rest between them. Should she desire to claim it once more. ]